See how Stander’s Wonder products can help provide peace of mind and assistance to caretakers caring for their loved ones
Life is full of twists and turns, which means we don’t always know what will happen next. The same reason that makes life exciting and adventurous can also make us feel scared, uncomfortable, and alone. The world of caregiving is no different. For many of us, caregiving is something in which we haven’t put much thought. We are thrusted into becoming a caregiver at moment’s notice, with limited knowledge and experience. You may be sympathetic to this because it well describes your experience or the experience of someone you know.
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, approximately 53 million caregivers have provided care for a loved one in the past 12 months. This is an increase of more than 16% in the last five years, compelling evidence that millions of Americans are becoming first-time caregivers each year. As a first-time caregiver, it is easy to become overwhelmed with questions and uncertainty. That is why any veteran caregiver would advocate doing research, learning quickly, and finding the right solutions for your loved ones.
Five Solutions for Every New Caregiver
Although it may seem lonely at times, being a caregiver doesn’t mean being alone. There is a myriad of resources to connect you with caretakers who have experience and are ready to answer questions. There are also thousands of mobility aids and home medical equipment that exist to make life safer for your loved ones and easier for you as a caregiver. However, it can be overwhelming sifting through the options that are available and deciding what is best for your loved one. For that reason we have compiled five of our favorite Wonder solutions that we believe every new caregiver should know about.
The Wonder Pole
Caregivers provide care for many reasons: old age, dementia, injury or surgery recovery, and physical or mental disabilities to just name a few. Whatever the reason might be, one common concern for any caregiver is a loss of mobility. Performing daily tasks like getting out of bed or stepping out of the shower can become difficult and dangerous, especially with an increase in age. Dangerous falls result in serious, life-threatening injuries like broken hips and brain trauma. In fact, if you are caring for an aging adult, falling at home is the number one cause for death for ages over 65.
Fall prevention should be at the top of every caregiver’s to-do list. Occupational Therapist (OT’s) are excellent resources to help make a fall prevention plan. A fall prevention plan can go as far as modifying a home or simply adding assistive devices around the house. One of our favorite assistive devices is the Wonder Pole.
The Wonder Pole is the most versatile tool for fall prevention. Unlike traditional grab bars that are mounted to a wall, the Wonder Pole is mounted with tension between the floor and ceiling making it possible to position it anywhere in a room. The curved grab bar swivels 360 degrees making it useful from multiple angles and positions. Best of all, the grab bar is shaped like a ladder to easily allow someone to pull themselves up to their feet.
Transfer poles can be used in the bathroom between a toilet and a shower or bathtub; in the bedroom to help get out of bed; and even in the living room next to a favorite chair or recliner. With over 4,000 customer reviews, the Wonder Pole has become a caregiver favorite to use anywhere in the home.
The Wonder Bathtub Pole
The Wonder Bathtub Pole presents an innovative alternative to traditional grab bars, enhancing both safety and convenience in the bathing experience. Unlike conventional mounted grab bars, which require permanent installation and can limit the user's range of support, the Wonder Bathtub Pole is tension-mounted between the bathtub and the ceiling—eliminating the need for drilling. This unique design not only provides unrestricted support but also reduces the risk of dangerous overreaching that can lead to falls. With its rotating curved grab bar that swivels a full 360 degrees, users can effortlessly access support from various angles while bathing, exiting the tub, and even standing from the toilet. For caregivers, this means you can empower your loved ones to maintain their independence and dignity during bath time, offering peace of mind knowing they have a reliable support system in place. The Wonder Bathtub Pole truly transforms the bathing experience, making it safer and more comfortable for everyone involved.
The Wonder Tray
The Wonder Tray is an invaluable tool for caregivers seeking to enhance the quality of life for their loved ones. Its thoughtful design bridges functionality and aesthetics, making it not only practical but also visually appealing. The tray table pivots and rotates 360 degrees, allowing it to easily adapt to different seating arrangements and move out of the way when necessary. This flexibility ensures that meals or activities can be conducted with minimal strain, reducing the risk of spills and fostering a sense of independence for the individual being cared for.
Moreover, the tray's sturdy construction guarantees stability while dining or working, thereby alleviating concerns about safety during use. Caregivers can feel confident that meals can be enjoyed comfortably in a familiar setting, promoting a nurturing environment that uplifts spirits. Beyond just meals, the Wonder Tray also serves as a perfect workstation for hobbies, reading, or playing games, which can enhance cognitive engagement and overall well-being. By incorporating the Wonder Tray into daily routines, caregivers offer a blend of practicality and joy, making it an excellent investment for those they support.
The Wonder Walker
Not to get lost in home fall prevention planning is what to do when you leave the house. The most common mobility device for caregivers to provide their loved ones to use outside of the home is a walker or rollator. Walkers and rollators serve a great purpose in promoting enhanced but safer mobility. As a new caregiver, your sense of a walker might be the traditional gray tri-fold walker we so commonly see. The truth is that the world of walkers and rollators are diverse, and it is important to find the right fit for your loved one.
When selecting a rollator or walker, pay special attention to the details. How big is it? How light is it? How easily will it be to fold? If you are planning on adventures outside the home, we recommend the Wonder Walker. The Wonder Walker is the world's most compact folding walker. Equipped with Stander's patented EZ Fold-N-Go technology, it folds 4 times smaller than the average walker. The two-wheel rolling walker weighs just 8 pounds, making it the perfect lightweight option to take with you in the car, on the bus, or even on an airplane.
The Wonder Rollator
In your role as a caregiver, it’s just as important to consider your own comfort and convenience while planning for your loved one’s mobility needs. You often provide the necessary support and physical effort, which is why selecting a rollator that’s easy for you to manage is essential. The Wonder Rollator has been designed with caregivers in mind, combining functionality with portability. Like its walker counterpart, the Wonder Rollator folds more compactly than any other model on the market, making it a breeze to store and transport. Weighing only 14.5 pounds, you’ll appreciate its lightweight design as you facilitate outings and adventures. Additionally, this rollator includes a built-in seat, allowing your loved one to take breaks during their walks, enhancing both comfort and overall enjoyment.
Bonus Picks: Our Favorite Safety Solutions
No list would be complete without mentioning two of Stander's standout solutions for caregivers. The EZ Adjust Bed Rail is heralded as the most versatile bed rail on the market, expertly designed to prevent nighttime falls. With a simple click of a button, it can be effortlessly extended in length to accommodate varying needs and can also drop down a full 180 degrees, facilitating safe and seamless patient transfers from bed. This adaptability not only enhances safety but also provides peace of mind for caregivers.
Another indispensable item is the Stander HandyBar, which is specifically crafted to offer essential support and leverage for safe vehicle entry and exit. This compact car bar seamlessly fits into the door latch striker, ensuring stability as caregivers assist their loved ones. Despite its small size, making it easy to store in the door compartment, the HandyBar is remarkably robust, capable of supporting up to 350 pounds. Its blend of functionality and convenience makes it a must-have for caregivers seeking to enhance mobility and safety for those they assist.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a first-time caregiver can be a frightening and overwhelming feeling. With so much to learn and so many decisions to make, it’s important to know that there are people, resources, and solutions available to make things easier. Whether you are caring for a spouse, parent, child, or grandparent, our goal at Stander is to provide functional and easy-to-use fall prevention solutions that keep your loved one safe and offer you peace of mind. You don’t have to approach caretaking alone, and with Stander’s collection of Wonder products, you can tackle providing the safest and most comfortable living from your loved ones.